NEWS RELEASES

May 4, 2005 (1:00 p.m. EDT)
No. 78

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS BOMBING IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement condemning the bombing in northern Iraq:

“Canada strongly condemns today’s attack, which has cost so many innocent lives and wounded more than 150 people. Iraqis have demonstrated their commitment to a peaceful and democratic future by going to the polls and voting in January. It is tragic that the people of Iraq continue to be subject to such cowardly terrorist acts. The violence must stop. On behalf of all Canadians, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those injured or killed.

“With a democratically elected government now in place, it is time for all Iraqis to seize this historic opportunity to build a better future. Canada encourages Iraqis to stand united against this and other recent insurgent attacks and to maintain the momentum of the transition to democracy. Canada remains firmly committed to Iraq’s political transition and reconstruction.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca